Opening May 2026 in Damansara, this debut marks the start of Little Caesars expansion in Malaysia, with multiple new locations planned across the region

Little Caesars, the world’s third-largest pizza chain, is officially expanding to Malaysia, marking an exciting milestone in its global growth journey. The first Little Caesars restaurant in Malaysia is set to open on May 24, 2026 in Damansara, Malaysia. The debut in Damansara sets the stage for continued expansion across the country.

Little Caesars entry into Malaysia introduces its iconic HOT-N-READY® Classic Pepperoni Pizza and pepperoni Crazy Puffs® to a vibrant and diverse food scene, while also embracing local tastes with unique, regionally inspired menu items like the Chicken Hawaiian, 3 Cheese Edge to Edge, and Mushroom Soup.

“Launching in Malaysia marks an exciting milestone as we continue to grow our global footprint,” said Paula Vissing, President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Retail. “We’re thrilled to introduce Malaysian guests to our delicious offerings made with fresh ingredients at an incredible value. With Malaysia’s dynamic food culture and strong sense of community, we’re excited to become part of this thriving market.”

Little Caesars is bringing its signature menu to Malaysia while also embracing local tastes, ensuring a balance of global favorites and flavors that resonate with the region. With a focus on freshness, bold flavor, and everyday convenience, the brand aims to become a go-to option for families, friends, and busy consumers alike.

The brand’s expansion into Malaysia is led by franchisees Dato' Vincent Choo and Datin Cynthia Cheong, whose extensive industry experience and deep understanding of the local market position them well to grow the brand. As seasoned operators, they own and manage multiple QSR brands across the country, bringing a strong track record of operational excellence and market insight to Little Caesars continued growth in Malaysia.

“We’re proud to introduce Little Caesars to Malaysia and share its world-famous pizza with our community,” said Dato' Vincent Choo and Datin Cynthia Cheong. “We believe there is strong demand for high-quality, affordable pizza, and we’re excited to bring something new and exciting to the local dining scene.”

With a focus on operational excellence and guest experience, the franchise team is committed to building the Little Caesars brand across Malaysia and delivering a consistent, high-quality product to every guest.

The Malaysia launch represents another key step in Little Caesars continued international expansion, as the brand brings its signature value and flavor to more communities around the world. As Little Caesars continues to grow globally, franchise opportunities are available in markets across the world. To learn more, visit https://international.littlecaesars.com/.

A group of volunteers from Ilitch Companies recently partnered with Birdie’s Book Mobile to help strengthen literacy initiatives across the city of Detroit. Their efforts focused on preparing books for distribution and ensuring that community resources are well-stocked and accessible.

Working in the organization’s warehouse, volunteers spent time sorting and organizing a wide range of books. These materials will be distributed to individuals and organizations throughout Detroit, helping to expand access to reading materials in underserved areas.

Volunteers also prepared books for placement in the Little Libraries maintained by Birdie’s Book Mobile. These small, community-based book exchanges are located throughout the city and provide free, convenient access to books for readers of all ages.

Birdie’s Book Mobile continues to rely on community involvement to sustain and grow its programs, which aim to foster a love of reading and improve literacy outcomes across Detroit.

“Since June of 2022, we have donated almost 250,000 books to teachers, to students, and to families here in the city,” said Alyce Hartman, Founder and Executive Director of Birdies Book Mobile. “In order for us to give away as many books as we do and to manage our program, we rely heavily on volunteers. They are linking arms with us in literacy and helping us make the impact that we're making here in the city. We are getting books into the hands and homes of children and families in Detroit.”

The Ilitch Companies Foundation Colleague Engagement program continues to support nonprofits in Detroit through the service of their volunteers.

Want to know more?

Take a look at our Ilitch Community Impact in 2026

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The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) today announced the appointment of Manon Rhéaume as General Manager of PWHL Detroit. A trailblazer and one of the most influential figures in women’s hockey history, Rhéaume joins the team following four seasons with the Los Angeles Kings in Hockey Operations and an impactful 11-year tenure with the Little Caesars AAA (LCAAA) Hockey Club.

“Manon is a pioneer whose impact on the game extends far beyond the ice,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. “She brings an unmatched hockey resume, a championship mindset, and a lifelong commitment to growing the women’s game. Her experience at every level of hockey, combined with her leadership and vision, makes her the perfect person to lead PWHL Detroit into its inaugural season.”

As the long-standing LCAAA Girls’ Division Director, Rhéaume has leveraged her hockey experience to provide unparalleled mentorship, development, and leadership for Detroit's next generation of elite athletes. Rhéaume continues to be a powerful advocate for community engagement, growing the game, and creating vital accessibility and opportunities for young girls in the sport.

Rhéaume made history as the first woman to sign a professional hockey contract and to play in an NHL game that redefined opportunities for generations of players to follow. Internationally, she represented Canada at the highest level, winning two gold medals at the IIHF Women’s World Championship and a silver medal at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. She’s already been a part of PWHL history, performing the ceremonial puck drop at the first-ever PWHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2024.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to join the PWHL and help build something special in Detroit,” said Rhéaume. “This city has such a deep hockey tradition, and the passion for hockey here is truly special. The growth of women’s hockey has been incredible to watch, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of the sport alongside the PWHL. I can’t wait to get started and build a team that Detroit fans will be proud of.”

Rhéaume will lead PWHL Detroit into its inaugural 2026–27 season by assembling a hockey operations staff and with a roster building process highlighted by the 2026 PWHL Draft, to be hosted at Detroit’s Fox Theatre on June 17. All phases of the comprehensive roster building process will be finalized and announced by the league in the coming weeks.

PWHL Detroit was formally introduced on May 6 at Little Caesars Arena, with additional PWHL expansion to Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario, announced on May 13 to bring the league’s current total to 11 teams. The third PWHL Walter Cup Finals are currently underway between the Montréal Victoire and Ottawa Charge.

Earlier this month, the Detroit Tigers and their significant others partnered with local nonprofit organizations Wish Upon a Teen and Project Prom to host a Fashion Bash event at Comerica Park.

The Fashion Bash welcomed 17 local teen girls whose medical condition, treatment or hospitalization prevented them from attending their school's prom, allowing the girls to try on prom dresses and gain styling insight ahead of Wish Upon a Teen’s specialized “Evening of Dreams Prom” event on May 30. The event was designed to help the teens in attendance feel celebrated, confident and included in the full prom experience.

Tigers players’ significant others who participated included Jessica Skubal (wife of Tarik Skubal), Makenna Torkelson (wife of Spencer Torkelson), Cana Hanifee (wife of Brennan Hanifee), Storme Holton (wife of Tyler Holton), Alexandra Jones (wife of Jahmai Jones), Kaitlyn Keith (wife of Colt Keith), Hailey Vest (wife of Will Vest), as well as Erin Hinch (wife of AJ Hinch) and several other significant others of Tigers personnel.

The significant others donated dresses and accessories and partnered with guests to celebrate them in this experience and serve as personal shoppers, assisting the girls in locating their perfect prom looks.

“Watching each teen paired with a significant other to help them choose the perfect dress for the Evening of Dreams Prom was incredibly special,” said Wish Upon a Teen Executive Director Nancy Sovran. “It wasn’t just about picking out a dress, it was about connection, confidence and creating memories that will stay with them forever. The added touches—beautiful purses, jewelry and delicious food—made the day even more magical.”

Others in attendance included the teens’ families, Wish Upon a Teen leadership personnel and 12 teen volunteers from Project Prom, which is an organization created by Bloomfield Hills High School Student Leadership representatives that serves as part of Wish Upon a Teen. The teen-run group sources dress donations for the Fashion Bash event, hosts a Spa Day for promgoers and assists at Wish Upon a Teen’s annual Evening of Dreams Prom.

The event included a runway, allowing guests to showcase their selected prom looks, and participating families received complimentary food and beverages throughout the event and received tickets to stay for the Tigers game that evening.

“Thank you truly doesn’t feel like enough for the incredible Fashion Bash the Tigers hosted for our teens,” Sovran said. “The thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity showed to our teens and their families created an experience that was nothing short of extraordinary—and one we will never forget. From the moment they arrived, our teens felt celebrated, seen and so deeply cared for.”

PWHL Detroit to debut in 2026-27 season with home games played at Little Caesars Arena; Detroit-based Ally becomes Inaugural Partner

2026 PWHL Awards Ceremony and Draft will be hosted in Detroit on June 16 and 17, respectively

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) today announced expansion to Detroit, Michigan, with the newest team to begin play for the 2026-27 season with home games to be played at Little Caesars Arena. PWHL Detroit is joined by Ally Financial as the team’s inaugural partner, with team jerseys to feature an exclusive Ally patch on the chest. In celebration of the PWHL’s newest market, Detroit will host the 2026 PWHL Awards Ceremony, presented by Ally, on Tuesday, June 16, and the 2026 PWHL Draft, presented by Upper Deck, on Wednesday, June 17, with the Draft taking place at Fox Theatre as a ticketed event open to fans.

Bringing professional women’s hockey to Hockeytown is an undeniable next step for the PWHL and the storied hockey market. Detroit has welcomed the PWHL from the very beginning, starting with hosting the league’s first-ever neutral-site game at Little Caesars Arena during the league’s inaugural season in 2024, drawing 13,736 fans. Since then, local support has only grown, with Detroit hosting four PWHL games over three seasons — the most of any neutral-site city. Among those games were crowds of 14,288 fans, setting a then-U.S. arena attendance record for women’s hockey on March 16, 2025, and a Little Caesars Arena women’s hockey attendance high of 15,938 at the city’s last Takeover Tour™ game on March 28, 2026, cementing Detroit fans’ demand for a PWHL team to call their own.

As part of today’s team announcement, the league revealed PWHL Detroit’s primary colors — black and silver — complemented by white as a secondary color and red as an accent. The palette is distinct from any other team in the league, with the primary colors intended to evoke Detroit’s innovative and industrial spirit, matched with the resilient identity of Metro Detroiters. Meanwhile, the red accent is a nod to the city’s celebrated sports history, in particular, the Red Wings’ and Hockeytown’s hockey stewardship in the United States for more than 100 years. The permanent brand identity, including the team’s name and logo, will be announced at a later date. Visit DetroitPWHL.com to learn more; PWHL Detroit merchandise is available now at thePWHL.com/shop for both U.S. and Canadian fans.

The decision to expand to Detroit reflects the league’s long-term vision for strategic growth. Detroit’s bid was led by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, the business arm of the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and operators of Little Caesars Arena. Started through an initial investment by Mike and Marian Ilitch and strengthened by Ilitch Companies’ long-standing commitment to the sport — including the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, which has developed generations of players since 1968 — the Detroit-based global organization has a long history of advancing hockey at every level. This commitment includes expanding opportunities for women and girls while building a strong foundation for the sport’s continued growth.

PWHL Detroit joins the PWHL’s eight current markets — Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver — as part of the league’s single-entity ownership structure under TWG Global. The team’s practice home will be BELFOR Training Center, which is part of the arena’s complex. Details about further expansion, a forthcoming expansion roster building process, and how Detroit will be integrated into the 2026 PWHL Draft will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2026–27 PWHL season will begin this fall. Fans can place a time-stamped deposit here to secure priority access to season tickets for Detroit’s historic inaugural season, once ticket packages are released. Fans who place an early season ticket deposit will also receive first access and a discount on tickets to the 2026 Draft taking place in Detroit at Fox Theatre on Wednesday, June 17. For information and priority access to Draft tickets, fans can subscribe to the newsletter here. More information on the 2026 Draft will be shared with media in subsequent dedicated releases.

Detroit-based Ally Financial — home to the nation’s largest all-digital bank and a leading brand in women’s sports sponsorship — will serve as the Official Bank of PWHL Detroit. This marks a continuation of the collaboration between Ally and the PWHL, as Ally was a presenting sponsor of PWHL Takeover Tour games in Detroit and Raleigh and partnered with the league and Scripps Sports to deliver an historic, first-ever national telecast of a PWHL game in the United States this past March.

For the latest news and updates on PWHL Detroit, fans can subscribe to the newsletter here and follow the team on Facebook PWHL Detroit, Instagram @PWHL__Detroit, X @PWHL__Detroit, TikTok @PWHL__Detroit, YouTube PWHL Detroit, Threads @PWHL__Detroit, and Bluesky @PWHL--Detroit.

SUPPORTING QUOTES

“Detroit has been part of PWHL history since the beginning; from the support shown at our first-ever neutral site game at Little Caesars Arena, the city and fans have helped lead the way for the future of pro women’s hockey,” said Amy Scheer, PWHL Executive Vice President, Business Operations. “Led by our incredible partner Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, Detroit proved time and time again they are ready for a team of their own. We are so proud to permanently join Hockeytown with the introduction of PWHL Detroit.”

“The Detroit area and the state of Michigan have one of the strongest youth hockey development systems in the world, especially for girls, which is further exemplified by world-class facilities at Little Caesars Arena and a deep commitment from Ilitch Sports + Entertainment to advancing our sport,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President, Hockey Operations. “We are honored to bring the PWHL to a sports community where women and girls have already put hockey on the map, and advance that incredible culture by offering young athletes a professional league they can strive for.”  

“Detroit is one of the great hockey cities, shaped by generations of players, teams, and fans who have helped grow the game at every level. Bringing a PWHL team to Little Caesars Arena is an exciting next step for our city and for the continued momentum of women’s hockey,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO, Ilitch Companies. “This moment also reflects our broader vision of using sports as a catalyst for Detroit’s continued revitalization — strengthening community engagement, supporting economic growth, and contributing to the city’s long-term development. We’re proud to support the PWHL’s growth, welcome these athletes to our city, and inspire the next generation of women and girls to pursue the game at the highest level.”  

“We’re excited to welcome the PWHL to Little Caesars Arena and thankful for the partnership with the league to bring a team to Hockeytown. The energy Detroit fans have brought to Takeover Tour games over the past few years has been undeniable — it’s clear this is a market ready to embrace professional women’s hockey. We’re looking forward to building on that momentum, helping grow the game, and creating something meaningful with our fans and community,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment

"We are thrilled that professional women's hockey is coming to our great city. Detroit is home to incredibly passionate hockey fans who already have shown their enthusiasm and support for the PWHL here at Little Caesars Arena," said Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield. "I am deeply appreciative to the PWHL, Chris Ilitch, and Ally for making today possible. I have no doubt that Detroit will prove to be a premiere PWHL market. We can't wait for Detroit to host the PWHL Awards Ceremony and Draft here in June as we prepare for the start of the team’s exciting inaugural season."  

“I’m so excited Hockeytown is now home to the newest team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and to welcome the 2026 PWHL Draft and Awards Ceremony to Michigan next month,” said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Detroit sports fans are the best in the world. From selling out arenas to setting attendance records, our fans show out when women’s hockey shows up. Michiganders have already brought so much talent to the PWHL and U.S. Olympic Team, and we’re ready to build on Michigan’s hockey momentum. Having our own PWHL team in Detroit will inspire even more young girls and women who play hockey in arenas and backyards across our state to follow their dreams right here in Michigan. Welcome, PWHL Detroit!”

"Detroit is Ally’s hometown, and becoming the inaugural partner of this PWHL team reflects our commitment to this city and our longstanding investment in women's sports," said Andrea Brimmer, Ally Chief Marketing and PR Officer. "When we announced last month that Ally had met its 50/50 pledge to invest equally in women's and men's sports media, we were adamant it marked a milestone in our women's sports journey, not the end of it. We're incredibly proud to demonstrate that continued commitment by investing in the remarkable growth of this league. Adding the Ally name to the front of every PWHL Detroit jersey is a symbol of how we will continue to show up for women’s sports fans and the city of Detroit."

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For the last two seasons, the Detroit Tigers have teamed up with The Davey Tree Expert Company for the Triples for Trees program, in which for every triple hit by a Tigers player during the regular season, three trees will be planted in the greater Detroit region, expanding the city's urban canopy and increasing air quality for metro Detroiters.

On April 13 in celebration of Earth Day, Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry and his wife Karra joined more than 40 volunteers from Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, the Detroit Tigers Foundation, Davey Tree, The Greening of Detroit and other local organizations to help plant 32 trees at Detroit’s Perrien Park to celebrate the triples hit by the Tigers last season. Because the Tigers earned 36 triples last season, the organization will plant more than 70 additional trees at select parks throughout the city later this season.

McKinstry led the Tigers with 11 triples last season, so the Tigers Foundation was happy to have the infielder join the first tree-planting event of the season to see the fruit of his labor.

“We have Zach and his wife Karra here today since he was the one who had the most triples on the team, so we’re just thrilled to see this come to life and continue the partnership as we continue this season,” said Detroit Tigers Foundation Director Shannon Lapsley. “We’re so honored to partner with organizations like Davey and Greening of Detroit. It means a lot for us to show the community that not only do we make an impact on the field, we make a significant impact off the field as well.”

Monica Tabares, Vice President of The Greening of Detroit, said tree-planting events like the one on April 13 are crucial to sustain quality air for people throughout the community.

“A city like Detroit, 40 percent canopy is what’s needed to be a sustainable urban city,” Tabares said. “Right now, we’re roughly at 23 percent, so every tree we put into the ground is essential for the air quality for Detroiters. As we develop more green spaces around Detroit, what better place than Perrien Park to get started.”

The Davey Tree Expert Company has donated thousands of trees through seven sports partnerships since 2014, and the organization said the April 13 event was the perfect way to kickstart the year as Davey Tree works toward its goal of planting 75,000 trees by 2027.

“We’re really excited to partner with the Tigers and the Tigers Foundation and also bringing in Greening Detroit to help celebrate the triples that were achieved by the Tigers last season,” said Davey Trees Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning Sandra Reid. “So we’re planting three trees for every triple that was achieved. We wanted to help provide extra greening in the greater Detroit area. The Davey company has operated in Michigan since 1880. We like to do a lot of community giveback, and this gave us the opportunity to partner with the Tigers to achieve that.”

Additional tree-planting dates and locations will be announced later this season, so stay tuned to Tigers.com/Community for more information.

Located on the UMCI Campus at 2205 Cass Avenue, the 313-Unit Residential Building will be Home to Graduate Students and Faculty

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI), Related Companies and Olympia Development of Michigan broke ground on Founders House, the new UMCI residential building for graduate student and faculty housing. Located at 2205 Cass Avenue, Founders House is part of the Transformational Brownfield Plan (TBP) for The District Detroit, a premier sports and entertainment destination featuring residential, retail, educational and office space in the heart of the city.

Founders House is located adjacent to the UMCI academic building, which is currently under construction and expected to be completed by summer 2027. Designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects with Neumann/Smith Architecture as the Architect of Record, Founders house is expected to achieve LEED Gold. The approximately 235,000-square-foot residential building will rise 13 stories and include 313 residential units, ranging from studios to one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. UMCI will lease the residential building, which is anticipated to be completed in 2028, for an initial term of 40 years.  

“This new 313-unit residential building for the UMCI represents the University of Michigan’s strong commitment to attracting and cultivating talent and innovation here in Detroit,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield. “Projects like this show what Detroit has to offer on a state, national and global level.”  

“We’re proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of the UMCI residential building. This moment reflects a deeper commitment, one rooted in investing in people, in place and in opportunity,” said Scott Shireman, Executive Director, the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit.

“Detroit has long been a center of opportunity, growth and entrepreneurship and the University of Michigan Center for Innovation will help inspire the next generation of talent,” said Related Companies and Olympia Development of Michigan. “Founders House will not only deliver high-quality homes for graduate students and faculty members, but it will also demonstrate what’s possible when we come together to invest in the City’s future. We are proud to reach this milestone on the UMCI campus – a place for quality jobs, economic opportunity and learning in the heart of The District Detroit.”

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation will be a world-class hub for research, education, and entrepreneurship, designed to advance innovation and talent-focused community development and drive job creation and economic growth across the city, region, and state. Located between Cass Avenue and Grand River and bounded by W. Columbia Street to the north and Elizabeth Street to the south, UMCI will, once complete, include a 200,000-square-foot research and education center, a technology incubator, Founders House, and approximately one acre of public green space.

For more information on The University of Michigan Center for Innovation, please visit HERE.

On March 30, as part of Women’s History Month, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment hosted the third annual Detroit Women in Sports Happy Hour at the Fox Theatre.

After the Detroit Pistons hosted the first event in 2024 and the Detroit Lions hosted last year, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment proudly handled hosting duties in 2026, welcoming 200 inspiring women in the Detroit sports and entertainment community for an evening of networking, storytelling and celebration.

“We were incredibly honored to host this year’s networking event and to partner with women owned businesses to elevate the experience. Being in a room filled with women who are breaking the glass ceiling every single day in the sports and entertainment world was truly inspiring.” said Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Guest Strategy Manager Ashley Holmes. “To the amazing committee of women who helped bring this event to life, it was an absolute honor to work alongside you. You are truly the best in the business, and the success of the night reflected your talent, dedication and passion. We can’t wait to see how this event continues to grow, evolve and get even bigger in the years to come, and to keep creating space for meaningful connection, support and networking among women in the sports and entertainment industry.”

To celebrate the event’s growing momentum, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment expanded this year’s happy hour to include colleagues from 313 Presents—welcoming the broader sports and entertainment community. The night came alive with DJ Myint, complimentary drinks and snacks, and powerful connections.

With support from sponsors like Coca Cola, Kiloh + Co., Koda, Cookie Crumbs & Company and more, guests enjoyed thoughtful giveaways and special moments throughout the evening. Remarks from the non-profit, Find Your Voice Now, added an inspiring touch, reinforcing the spirit of empowerment, connection and community that continues to drive this event forward.

Ilitch Companies’ colleagues spent time this month giving back to the community, volunteering at Cornerstone Schools’ Jefferson-Douglass Academy for a special Partner Reading Day with kindergarten through fourth grade students. 

The initiative focused on strengthening literacy skills by pairing volunteers with students to support Cornerstone’s reading programs. Through interactive reading sessions, colleagues helped children build vocabulary, improve comprehension, and develop a deeper enthusiasm for books. 

School Principal Monica Thompson highlighted the value of the event, emphasizing how meaningful reading time can be for young learners. “It's an amazing partnership. And it just reinforces what we tell our students when we talk about the complete life,” said Thompson. “All of the volunteers here today are showing our students they could have been anywhere else, but they took their time to come and to meet our students and to read with them.”

The day began with a warm welcome from the school community. A performance by the middle school choir set an uplifting tone, followed by a powerful student story about his personal journey to reaching grade-level literacy, an inspiring reminder of the impact strong reading support can have on a child’s future. 

Volunteers then joined students in classrooms, sharing stories and encouraging active participation, making reading both fun and engaging. 

For many colleagues, the experience was just as rewarding as it was impactful. Talent Acquisition Manager for Little Caesars, Shaun McGowan, reflected on his time with students, sharing his perspective on the importanceof literacy and community involvement. 

“The energy that we get from these kids and helping these kids, is something that we're going to continue to do a lot more of,” said McGowan. “We're all about Detroit, born in Detroit. We have to make deposits into the community before we ask for withdrawals from the community.”

Events like Partner Reading Day reinforce Ilitch Companies’ ongoing commitment to supporting youth education and empowering the next generation, one story at a time.